This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Request Permissions Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Korpelainen, J. T. Articles by Myllylä, V. V. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Korpelainen, J. T. Articles by Myllylä, V. V. Related Collections Behavioral/psychosocial - stroke Acute Stroke Syndromes Rehabilitation, Stroke

(Stroke. 1999;30:715-719.)
© 1999 American Heart Association, Inc.

Original Contributions

Sexual Functioning Among Stroke Patients and Their Spouses

Juha T. Korpelainen, MD, PhD; Pentti Nieminen, PhD Vilho V. Myllylä, MD, PhD

From the Department of Neurology, University of Oulu (Finland).

Correspondence to Juha T. Korpelainen, MD, Department of Neurology, University of Oulu, Kajaanintie 52, 90220 Oulu, Finland. E-mail juha.korpelainen{at}oulu.fi

Background and Purpose—The aim of this study was to assess effects of stroke on sexual functioning of stroke patients and their spouses and to study the associations of clinical and psychosocial factors with poststroke changes in sexual functions.

Methods—One hundred ninety-two stroke patients and 94 spouses participating in stroke adjustment courses sponsored by the Finnish Stroke and Aphasia Federation completed a self-administered questionnaire concerning their prestroke and poststroke sexual functions and habits. The main outcome measures were (1) libido, (2) coital frequency, (3) sexual arousal, including erectile and orgastic ability and vaginal lubrication, and (4) sexual satisfaction.

Results—A majority of the stroke patients reported a marked decline in all the measured sexual functions, ie, libido, coital frequency, erectile and orgastic ability, and vaginal lubrication, as well as in their sexual satisfaction. The most important explanatory factors for these changes were the general attitude toward sexuality (odds ratio [OR] range, 7.4 to 21.9; logistic regression analysis), fear of impotence (OR, 6.1), inability to discuss sexuality (OR range, 6.8 to 18.5), unwillingness to participate in sexual activity (OR range, 3.1 to 5.4), and the degree of functional disability (OR range, 3.2 to 5.0). The spouses also reported a significant decline in their libido, sexual activity, and sexual satisfaction as a consequence of stroke.

Conclusions—Sexual dysfunction and dissatisfaction with sexual life are common in both male and female stroke patients and in their spouses. Psychological and social factors seem to exert a strong impact on sexual functioning and the quality of sexual life after stroke.

Key Words: cerebrovascular disorders • sexuality • stroke

This article has been cited by other articles:

				G. Simpson, S. Anwar, J. Wilson, and T. Bertapelle Improving the rehabilitative management of client sexual health concerns after neurological disability: evaluation of a staff sexuality training programme in New Zealand Clinical Rehabilitation, October 1, 2006; 20(10): 847 - 859. [Abstract] [PDF]

				A. Hamad, A. Hamad, T.-E. O. Sokrab, S. Momeni, B. Mesraoua, and J. T. Korpelainen Poststroke Sexual Function • Response Stroke, October 1, 1999; 30(10): 2238 - 2248. [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. Carod, J. Egido, J. L. Gonzalez, E. Varela de Seijas, and J. T. Korpelainen Poststroke Sexual Dysfunction and Quality of Life • Response Stroke, October 1, 1999; 30 (10): 2238d - 2248. [Full Text] [PDF]